10 Apr What is a Heavy-Duty Truck?
In North America, trucks are classified into 8 categories, with classes 7 and 8 considered heavy-duty trucks.
This classification is based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which represents the maximum weight the truck can carry when fully loaded.
This standard governs safety, registration, and commercial transactions of vehicles, with the GVWR displayed on a plate next to the driver.
In this article, we take a deep dive into truck classification, a vital component of the transportation and construction industry.
How Does Truck Classification Work?
Truck classification is primarily based on GVWR, indicating the maximum load capacity of the vehicle when fully loaded, including cargo, fuel, passengers, and trailer tongue weight.
Class 7 and 8 Heavy-Duty Trucks
Class 7 trucks have a GVWR of 26,001 to 33,000 lbs, often with 3 or more axles, and include garbage trucks, city buses, street sweepers, and small semi-trailers.
Class 8 trucks, on the other hand, have a GVWR over 33,001 lbs and include dump trucks, cement trucks, semi-trailer trucks, and heavy-duty trucks such as Kenworth, Freightliner, and Peterbilt.
Other Truck Classifications
Beyond Class 8, there is a Class 9 category for super-heavy trucks with a weight exceeding 60,000 lbs.
Some trucks, according to the Federal Bridge Gross Weight Formula, can weigh up to 80,000 lbs and require special permits for circulation.
Heavy-Duty Trucks and Diesel Engines
Diesel engines used in heavy-duty trucks are also classified according to GVWR, with categories such as light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty diesel engines.
Quebec Heavy-Duty Truck Classes
In Quebec, heavy-duty truck classes determine the types of vehicles you are authorized to drive.
Here’s an overview of the classes and what they allow in the transportation and construction industries:
In the transportation industry (according to the SAAQ)
- Class 3: Trucks with two axles and a net weight of 4,500 kg or more, as well as any truck with three axles or more.
- Class 2: Vehicles in Class 3 and buses adapted for more than 24 passengers.
- Class 1: Vehicles in Classes 2 and 3, tractor-trailers with two axles and a net weight of 4,500 kg or more, towing one or more trailers, and more.
In the construction industry
(Classes used for remuneration rates)
- Class C: Trucks with a fixed box, single or tandem rear axle dump trucks, with a capacity of less than 10 tons.
- Class B: Vehicles in Class C, plus winch trucks, tank trucks (fuel, oil, or lubricant).
- Class A: Vehicles in Classes C and B, plus concrete mixers of one cubic yard or more, trailer trucks, flatbed trucks, off-road trucks, winch trucks of over 5 tons, tandem rear axle dump trucks of 10 tons or more.
- Class AA: Vehicles in Classes C, B, and A, plus off-road trucks of 35 tons or more, as well as belly dump trucks.
These classes are crucial for ensuring safe and legal driving in specific industries. Learn about the specific requirements for your industry to ensure compliance and safety.
Heavy-duty trucks are essential for many industries, requiring precise maintenance and repairs.
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